CreativeOne Advisors Group

19/05/2026

🎧David Dickens tackles two listener questions from folks standing right on the doorstep of retirement. He explores how timing a large vacation and a sick-leave payout could affect taxes and savings options, and then looks at whether it makes sense to retire before Medicare kicks in, given healthcare costs and subsidies. Throughout, David discusses how the “last mile” decisions could make a difference in retirement confidence. 🎧

Here’s some of what we discuss in this podcast episode:

🧠 Lump Sum Decisions Matter: Timing retirement payouts could impact taxes significantly

📉 Tax Bracket Creep: A single decision could unexpectedly push income into higher brackets

🏥 Healthcare Changes Everything: Retiring before Medicare could require careful planning

🧩 Multiple Strategies Exist: Roth accounts, brokerage assets, and 401(k)s all help create flexibility

🧭 Final Stretch Planning Counts: The last few months before retirement can shape long-term outcomes

David tackles two listener questions from folks standing right on the doorstep of retirement.

04/05/2026

🎧What happens when a 22-year-old suddenly inherits a significant sum with no guardrails in place? In this episode we unpack a listener scenario involving an uncle worried about his nephew’s financial future after an unexpected inheritance. They explore the potential risks of unrestricted wealth, the possible role of trusts, and how family members or advisors can step in to provide guidance.🎧
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🔥 Why young heirs sometimes burn through inheritances quickly

🛑 The potential risk of having no financial guardrails

🧠 How maturity and financial education can help shape outcomes

🤝 When to bring in a financial advisor or third party

📈 Turning a lump sum into a long-term financial asset

What happens when a 22-year-old suddenly inherits a significant sum with no guardrails in place? In this episode, David and Walter unpack a listener scenario involving an uncle worried about his nephew’s financial future after an unexpected inheritance.

23/04/2026

🎧What happens to your money after you’re gone isn’t always as simple as passing it down. David Dickens walks through a reality many families don’t talk about, and why planning ahead can make a meaningful difference. This isn’t just about protecting assets; it’s about protecting people. With the right structure and conversations, you can turn an inheritance into something that lasts.🎧

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🔑Inheritance Behavior: Many heirs either spend everything or save everything

🧠 Plan With Intention: Structure can help turn a windfall into a long-term resource

🏦 Large Estate Tools: Foundations can help reduce taxes and involve heirs

📜 Trust Strategies: Spendthrift and incentive trusts add a level of protection and guidance

🗣️ Clear Communication: Sharing your wishes ahead of time can make a lasting impact.

What happens to your money after you’re gone isn’t always as simple as passing it down. David walks through a reality many families don’t talk about, and why planning ahead can make a meaningful difference.

16/04/2026

🎧For many, the annual financial review is just a routine- show up, review the numbers, and leave. But what if that hour could be very valuable for your financial life? If you’re not leaving with clarity and confidence, you might be missing out. David Dickens explains how to turn your review into a meaningful conversation by asking the right questions, focusing on your plan, and actively participating. 🎧

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🔍 Identifying Bad Reviews: If it’s all one-sided, something’s wrong

✅ Good Reviews: Start with your goals, not your advisor’s agenda

💬 Collaboration: Ask what you want out of the meeting for a better meeting outcome

💡 Review Your Plan: Know your goals and keep track of progress

🗣️ Spouse Involvement: Make sure both partners are heard in the conversation

For many, the annual financial review is just a routine- show up, review the numbers, and leave. But what if that hour could be very valuable for your financial life?

08/03/2026

🎧In this mailbag podcast episode, David Dickens answers two practical listener questions about managing unexpected financial opportunities. One listener recently paid off their mortgage and now has an extra $3,000 per month to invest, while another is navigating the tax implications of inheriting an IRA. David walks through several potential options for putting extra cash to work- ranging from CDs and brokerage accounts to fixed annuities- while also clarifying the complex withdrawal rules tied to inherited retirement accounts. 🎧

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏠 Ideas of what to do with extra monthly cash after paying off your mortgage
📈 Investment options beyond retirement accounts, including brokerage accounts and ETFs
🏦 The pros and cons of CDs, money markets, and fixed annuities
🧾 How inherited IRAs are taxed and the potential impact of the 10-year withdrawal rule
⚖️ Why timing withdrawals carefully could help reduce your overall tax bill

In this mailbag episode, David answers two practical listener questions about managing unexpected financial opportunities.

23/02/2026

🎧Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. David Dickens pulls back the curtain on the sensational advice dominating YouTube and financial media. Instead of chasing rigid rules, he explains why thoughtful coordination across multiple planning areas could potentially produce better outcomes. 🎧

Here’s some of what we discuss in this podcast episode:

⏱️ Roth Timing Window: Converting before RMDs increase income

📊 Tax Bracket Planning: Filling lower brackets strategically

🧩 Annuity Purpose: Guarantees vs market exposure

🔍 Annuity Fine Print: Caps, riders, surrender terms

🏠 Mortgage Tradeoffs: Interest rate vs emotional security

Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way.

10/02/2026

🎧Inheriting a home often comes with a lot of anxiety, especially around taxes. Many heirs assume selling means a massive tax bill, but that concern is often misplaced. In this podcast episode, David Dickens breaks down what really happens when you inherit a house, why taxes are usually less painful than expected, and what non-tax issues can complicate the decision. If you’re facing an inherited property, or expect to someday, this conversation brings clarity where many people feel overwhelmed. 🎧

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏠 Inherited Home Anxiety: Why taxes are often overestimated

📊 Stepped-Up Basis: How value resets at inheritance

⏳ Sale Timing Matters: When waiting changes the outcome

⚠️ Beyond the Numbers: Additional issues you need to know

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Dynamics: Navigating shared decisions

In this episode, David breaks down what really happens when you inherit a house, why taxes are usually less painful than expected, and what non-tax issues can complicate the decision.

28/01/2026

🎧The amount of life insurance you need changes significantly as your life and responsibilities evolve. In this podcast episode David Dickens shares practical considerations for thinking through coverage needs at different stages of life, from early adulthood through retirement years. Rather than focusing on one-size-fits-all answers, David Dickens offers general tips to help listeners think more clearly about how life insurance might fit into a broader financial picture.🎧

The amount of life insurance you need changes significantly as your life and responsibilities evolve. David shares practical considerations for thinking through coverage needs at different stages of life, from early adulthood through retirement years.

09/01/2026

🎧Feeling behind on retirement savings can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In this podcast episode, David walks through five practical steps to help you regain clarity and momentum, whether you’re early in your career or approaching retirement. From tracking spending habits to maximizing workplace retirement plans, this episode focuses on actions you can actually control. 🎧
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧮 How to determine if you’re truly “behind”
📊 Getting a clear snapshot of your net worth
💳 Identifying spending patterns that are holding you back
🔁 Maximizing your workplace retirement savings
📝 Why having a written retirement plan can change everything

Feeling behind on retirement savings can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In this episode, David walks through five practical steps to help you regain clarity and momentum, whether you’re early in your career or approaching retirement.

18/12/2025

🎧 In this podcast episode David Dickens is breaking down some of the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward. 2026’s headlines might look different, but the same drama will likely exist. So, what can you do? Aim to control your plan, your savings habits, and your long-term strategy. That’s what can help turn a chaotic year into a confident retirement path! 🎧
https://www.creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com/5-major-events-from-2025-that-impacted-retirement-plans